Curling enthusiasts sought to support club, facility
By MARK PAVILONS

Local curling enthusiasts are hoping there's keen ice ahead for the sport in Caledon.

Curling, one of Canada's extremely popular grassroots sports, is enjoyed in roughly 1,200 facilities from coast to coast.

And some area supporters are hoping to add Caledon to that list someday soon.

Bolton's Barry Christian and Tullamore area resident Derek Clark have spent the past 18 months drumming up support to establish a facility here.

The duo made a well received presentation to Caledon council roughly one year, as plans were being finalized for the ice pad currently under construction in Caledon East. Their proposal included twinning it with the approved rink, at an estimated cost of just over $2 million.

Christian noted club fees would be more than adequate to handle the operating costs. The crucial aspect is the capital cost, something the Town didn't want to saddle on taxpayers.

Undeterred, both Christian and Clark are hoping to create a grassroots groundswell, elevating the sport to the forefront.

Curling is likely at its height of popularity in this country, and upcoming events will continue to show off the sport and talent. Many will remember Canada's victories at international and Olympic events, making Canadians among the world leaders in the sport.

Anyone interested in forming a committee, executive and club are welcome to contact Clark by e-mail at caledoncurling@rogers.com. If enough interest is shown, a public meeting will be held, followed by the formation of a Caledon club. The longterm goal is to establish a local curling rink.

Eriks Eglite, director of recreation and property services for the Town of Caledon, said any new facility is multi-use and structures are made to allow for future expansion.

Christian said at the outset, the newly formed club could use the ice at Bolton or Mayfield arenas one night a week. All that's required to use existing ice surfaces is diamond pebbling - a light spray of water that freezes on contact creating small bumps.

Currently, Caledon curlers travel to Orangeville, Alliston, Brampton and Schomberg for curling rinks.

Hopes are to attract local curlers and encourage the sport at all levels. Christian noted it's not just an adult sport at all - it appeals to all ages, from youngsters to seniors, literally from 6-80 added Clark.

Ideally, hopes are an individual or corporation would help support a new facility, and then fund-raising could begin in earnest. Anyone who comes to the table with ideas or funding is appreciated.

Christian said they've looked into funding sources, but all that's available are geared toward upgrades and not startup capital funding.

Two curling clubs have started from converting aging hockey arenas to curling rinks.

Eglite noted if they're successful in launching a club, there would be little trouble in accommodating their ice scheduling needs.

Clark said it would be great if they could get 200 members to make the club work. With that number, it would be easy to stage Caledon's first bonspiel and introduce the sport to the community.

Christian and Clark have their eyes on the button. If you share their enthusiasm, please contact them.